The aim of this research was to synthesize a new totally bio wood adhesive entailing the use of oxidized starch(OST),urea,and oxidized lignin(OL).For this reason,non-modified(L)and oxidized lignin(OL)at different cont...The aim of this research was to synthesize a new totally bio wood adhesive entailing the use of oxidized starch(OST),urea,and oxidized lignin(OL).For this reason,non-modified(L)and oxidized lignin(OL)at different contents(20%,30%,and 40%)were used to prepare the starch-urea-lignin(SUL)and starch-urea-oxidized lignin(SUOL)resin.Sodium persulfate(SPS)as oxidizer was employed to oxidize both starch and lignin.Urea was just used as a low cost and effective crosslinker in the resin composition.The properties of the synthesized resins and the plywood panels bonded with themweremeasured according to relevant standards.The viscosity and gel time of the SUOL resins containing oxidized lignin are respectively higher and faster than for non-modified lignin(SUL).The lignin phenolic hydroxyl groups(-OH)proportion was markedly increased by oxidation as shown by Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)spectrometry.The molecular mass and the polydispersity of the lignin did also decrease by its oxidization pretreatment.DSC analysis showed a decrease of the glass transition temperature of the lignin(Tg)due to its oxidation.The thermal analysis of the oxidized lignin SUOL resin also showed that it had a lower peak temperature than the SUL equivalent non-modified lignin resin.The plywood panels bonded with oxidized lignin gave acceptable bending modulus,bending strength,peak temperature by thermal analysis and dry shear strength as well as a better plywood dimensional stability when used in the SUOL formulation.The synthesized SUOL adhesive is a lignin-derived,totally bio,no-aldehyde added,inexpensive resin applicable to bond plywood.展开更多
This review aims to identify the assets and limitations of Dabema(Piptadeniastrum africanum)as a sustainable alternative to traditional timber species for furniture and construction applications.Dabema is characterize...This review aims to identify the assets and limitations of Dabema(Piptadeniastrum africanum)as a sustainable alternative to traditional timber species for furniture and construction applications.Dabema is characterized by its high density and dimensional stability,meeting ASTM(American Society for Testing and Materials)standards for mechanical strength,which is essential for promoting its use.However,its limited availability in trade and ingrained habits of use are obstacles to its widespread commercialization.In addition,thermal and oleothermal treatments have shown great potential for improving the characteristics of this wood,although they require ongoing optimization and rigorous environmental assessment.Consequently,increased awareness of the benefits of Dabema is decisive to encourage its sustainable adoption in modern economies.This could help to diversify forest resources and encourage more sustainable building practices,taking advantage of Dabema’s unique properties while mitigating environmental sustainability concerns.展开更多
As the Philippines celebrated the 2nd Asia Laboratory Animal Day(ALAD)last November 29,2025,the Philippine Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences(PALAS)reflected on a year marked by growth,collaboration,and renewe...As the Philippines celebrated the 2nd Asia Laboratory Animal Day(ALAD)last November 29,2025,the Philippine Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences(PALAS)reflected on a year marked by growth,collaboration,and renewed commitment to ethical and scientific excellence in animal-based research.Throughout 2025,PALAS has continued to strengthen the laboratory animal science community by advancing education,capacity building,policy advocacy,and regional cooperation.These efforts underscore PALAS’vital role in shaping a culture of responsible animal research aligned with international standards.展开更多
Inhibitors of protein deacetylases have recently been established as a novel therapeutic principle for several human diseases,including cancer.The original notion of the mechanism of action of these compounds focused ...Inhibitors of protein deacetylases have recently been established as a novel therapeutic principle for several human diseases,including cancer.The original notion of the mechanism of action of these compounds focused on the epigenetic control of transcriptional processes, especially of tumor suppressor genes,by interfering with the acetylation status of nuclear histone proteins,hence the name histone deacetylase inhibitors was coined.Yet,this view could not explain the high specificity for tumor cells and recent evidence now suggests that non-histone proteins represent major targets for protein deacetylase inhibitors and that the post-translational modification of the acetylome is involved in various cellular processes of differentiation,survival and cell death induction.展开更多
It is timely to consider the many facets of the small molecule orotic acid （OA）, which is well-known as an essential intermediate of pyrimidine de novo synthesis. In addition, it can be taken up by erythrocytes and ...It is timely to consider the many facets of the small molecule orotic acid （OA）, which is well-known as an essential intermediate of pyrimidine de novo synthesis. In addition, it can be taken up by erythrocytes and hepatocytes for conversion into uridine and for use in the pyrimidine recycling pathway. We discuss the link between dietary orotate and fatty liver in rats, and the potential for the alleviation of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. We address the development of orotate derivatives for application as anti-pyrimidine drugs, and of com- plexes with metal ions and organic cations to assist therapies of metabolic syndromes. Recent genetic data link human Miller syndrome to defects in the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase （DHODH） gene, hence to depleted orotate production. Another defect in pyrimidine biosynthesis, the orotic aciduria arising in humans and cattle with a deficiency of UMP synthase （UMPS）, has different symptoms. More recent work leads us to conclude that OA may have a role in regulating gene transcription.展开更多
This review details the development of tannin-based biofoams for fire resistance and acoustic insulation and details the different varieties of these foams that have been developed,from tannin-furanic self-blowing foa...This review details the development of tannin-based biofoams for fire resistance and acoustic insulation and details the different varieties of these foams that have been developed,from tannin-furanic self-blowing foams to tannin-furanic polyurethanes and finally non-isocyanate tannin-basedcarbohydrates polyurethanes(NIPU).展开更多
Objective Pituitary adenomas(PAs)can adapt an aggressive phenotype by invading adjacent brain structures with rapid cellular proliferation.Previous studies demonstrated that excessive expression of metalloproteases AD...Objective Pituitary adenomas(PAs)can adapt an aggressive phenotype by invading adjacent brain structures with rapid cellular proliferation.Previous studies demonstrated that excessive expression of metalloproteases ADAM12 and MMP-14 is instrumental for the active proliferation and invasiveness of PA cells in vitro and of tumors in vivo.However,the mechanisms regulating ADAM12 and MMP-14 expression in PAs remain unclear.Methods Target gene prediction and transcriptomic profiling of invasive vs.noninvasive human PA samples were performed to identify miRNA species potentially involved in the regulation of ADAM12 and MMP14.For cellular analyses of miRNA functions,two mouse PA cell lines(AtT20 and TtT/GF)were transfected with miR-149-3p and miR-149-5p,respectively.The effects of miR-149(3p and 5p)on expression levels of ADAM12 and MMP14 were determined by Western blotting followed by an analysis of proliferation and colony formation assays,scratch migration assays,and invasion assays.Results A significant downregulation of miRNA-149 was observed in invasive vs.noninvasive PA(0.32 vs.0.09,P<0.0001).In AtT-20 and TtT/GF mouse PAs cells,transfection of mimic miRNA-149(3p and 5p)caused a significantly reduced cell proliferation and matrigel invasion,whilst the effect on cell migration was less pronounced.Both strands of miRNA-149(3p and 5p)markedly reduced protein levels of ADAM12 and MMP-14 by at least 40%in both cell lines.Conclusion This study proved that the invasiveness of PA cells is,at least partly,regulated by miRNA-149-dependent expression of ADAM12 and MMP-14.展开更多
Langmuir films behavior of asymmetric glycerol dialkyl nonitol tetraether (GDNT) lipids at the air-water interface (temperature 19℃ ± 1℃) investigated the stability of the mean ratio of Langmuir films for diffe...Langmuir films behavior of asymmetric glycerol dialkyl nonitol tetraether (GDNT) lipids at the air-water interface (temperature 19℃ ± 1℃) investigated the stability of the mean ratio of Langmuir films for different spreading time prior to the transfer film. Floating monolayer films stability is an important parameter to obtain high-quality Langmuir-Blodgett films for their aplications. Hysteresis loop of the compression-decompression (μ-A) isotherms of Langmuir film GDNT used to analyze the thermodynamic stability of the monolayer films and its features. Langmuir films stability of tetraether lipid GDNT shown more stable at the time of spreading longer than a short time.展开更多
The reaction of a desulphurized kraft lignin with hexamethylene diamine and dimethyl carbonate has allowed the development of isocyanate-free polyurethane resins.The present research work is based on previous studies ...The reaction of a desulphurized kraft lignin with hexamethylene diamine and dimethyl carbonate has allowed the development of isocyanate-free polyurethane resins.The present research work is based on previous studies made with hydrolyzable and condensed tannins,but takes advantage of the higher number of hydroxyl groups present in lignin and their different aliphatic and aromatic character.The obtained materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy,matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight(MALDI-TOF)mass spectrometry and solid-state cross-polarization/magic angle spinning(CP MAS)13C nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),which have revealed the presence of urethane functions.The interpretation of the results has shown a larger number of species than when tannins were used and has indicated the presence of two types of bonds in the new molecules formed:ionic and covalent bonds.展开更多
The overall survival for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is still limited.Although the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib has recently been approved for this disease,response rates are still low and ...The overall survival for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is still limited.Although the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib has recently been approved for this disease,response rates are still low and patients often face dose-limiting toxicities which lead to a reduction in prognosis and treatment success.We here report a patient with metastasized HCC who shows a sustained response for more than 30 mo to sorafenib therapy after failure of a first line therapy with gemcitabine,oxaliplatin and bevacizumab.展开更多
Peripheral motor and sensory neuropathies are diseases with different etiologies emerging from genetic disorders,diabetes,infection or inflammation,paraneoplastic damage or intoxications including alcohol abuse（Marty...Peripheral motor and sensory neuropathies are diseases with different etiologies emerging from genetic disorders,diabetes,infection or inflammation,paraneoplastic damage or intoxications including alcohol abuse（Martyn and Hughes,1997）.展开更多
<strong>Objectives:</strong> <span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To compare between hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscop...<strong>Objectives:</strong> <span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To compare between hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopic findings in patients tested for infertility and thereby to determine the significance of the latter examination. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This was a descriptive study performed in two Gynecology departments in the Dakar (Senegal). Included were 84 patients with suspicious tubal-infertility who underwent HSG followed by laparoscopy. The Kappa (K) statistics was used to clarify the concordance between HSG vs. laparoscopy findings. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Kappa concordance between HSG and laparoscopy showed the followings: 0.08 for proximal tubal obstructions (poor agreement), 0.40 for distal tubal obstructions (moderate agreement), and -</span></span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.08 for peritoneal adhesions (no agreement). Laparoscopy revealed pelvic adhesions in 84% of cases, pelvic endometriosis in 12% of cases, and apparently normal tubes in 12%. According to the distal tubal operability score, 16.6% of the lesions were classified as stage 4 and 23.8% at stage 1. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">HSG and laparoscopy findings did not agree in patients with tubal infertility, and thus, laparoscopy should be employed, especially when HSG showed abnormal findings. HSG has a low diagnostic value in adhesions.</span></span></span>展开更多
An enhanced neutron production and an enhanced nuclear destruction due to secondary fragments have been observed in very thick targets irradiated with high energy ions. This enhancement is beyond theoretical calculati...An enhanced neutron production and an enhanced nuclear destruction due to secondary fragments have been observed in very thick targets irradiated with high energy ions. This enhancement is beyond theoretical calculations and it is an unresolved problem. It is observed only when primary ion interactions exceed an energy threshold (ECM/u ≈ 150 MeV). Investigations using nuclear emulsions for very high-energy nuclear reactions suggest that two distinctly different classes of relativistic projectile-like fragments are emitted in primary interactions: a “cool” channel with a temperature of (T(p)cool ≈ 10 MeV), and a “hot” channel with (T(p)hot ≈ 40 MeV. This second reaction class may induce the above mentioned enhanced reactions of secondary fragments, thus being responsible for unresolved problems. This assumption should be studied in further experiments. Nuclear interactions of secondary particles in thick targets are of interest, in particular in view of radiation protection needs for high energy and high intensity heavy ion accelerators. Many basic ideas of this paper go back to the late Professor E. Schopper (Frankfurt).展开更多
Marinov et al. have detected spontaneous fission events in sources separated from tungsten targets irradiated with 24 GeV protons. These fission events could not be attributed to actinides or to any other known isotop...Marinov et al. have detected spontaneous fission events in sources separated from tungsten targets irradiated with 24 GeV protons. These fission events could not be attributed to actinides or to any other known isotope. Marinov et al. propose that fission events are due to production of element 112 (Eka-Hg) in the tungsten target. We have addressed Marinov’s claim with a new analysis of their data and modern theoretical model calculations of possible interactions. Using data available in the literature the spontaneous fission half-life of the Eka-Hg was estimated to be ~74 days. This is dramatically longer than the half-life obtained for 283112Cn, produced in the fusion of energetic 48Ca ions with 238U. Monte Carlo calculations show that enough Sr isotopes are produced in the tungsten target to make the production of element 112 via fusion of Sr and W feasible;however, if such fusion was possible it had to be deep sub-barrier fusion.展开更多
基金funded by Semnan University,research grant No.226/1403/T140211.
文摘The aim of this research was to synthesize a new totally bio wood adhesive entailing the use of oxidized starch(OST),urea,and oxidized lignin(OL).For this reason,non-modified(L)and oxidized lignin(OL)at different contents(20%,30%,and 40%)were used to prepare the starch-urea-lignin(SUL)and starch-urea-oxidized lignin(SUOL)resin.Sodium persulfate(SPS)as oxidizer was employed to oxidize both starch and lignin.Urea was just used as a low cost and effective crosslinker in the resin composition.The properties of the synthesized resins and the plywood panels bonded with themweremeasured according to relevant standards.The viscosity and gel time of the SUOL resins containing oxidized lignin are respectively higher and faster than for non-modified lignin(SUL).The lignin phenolic hydroxyl groups(-OH)proportion was markedly increased by oxidation as shown by Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)spectrometry.The molecular mass and the polydispersity of the lignin did also decrease by its oxidization pretreatment.DSC analysis showed a decrease of the glass transition temperature of the lignin(Tg)due to its oxidation.The thermal analysis of the oxidized lignin SUOL resin also showed that it had a lower peak temperature than the SUL equivalent non-modified lignin resin.The plywood panels bonded with oxidized lignin gave acceptable bending modulus,bending strength,peak temperature by thermal analysis and dry shear strength as well as a better plywood dimensional stability when used in the SUOL formulation.The synthesized SUOL adhesive is a lignin-derived,totally bio,no-aldehyde added,inexpensive resin applicable to bond plywood.
文摘This review aims to identify the assets and limitations of Dabema(Piptadeniastrum africanum)as a sustainable alternative to traditional timber species for furniture and construction applications.Dabema is characterized by its high density and dimensional stability,meeting ASTM(American Society for Testing and Materials)standards for mechanical strength,which is essential for promoting its use.However,its limited availability in trade and ingrained habits of use are obstacles to its widespread commercialization.In addition,thermal and oleothermal treatments have shown great potential for improving the characteristics of this wood,although they require ongoing optimization and rigorous environmental assessment.Consequently,increased awareness of the benefits of Dabema is decisive to encourage its sustainable adoption in modern economies.This could help to diversify forest resources and encourage more sustainable building practices,taking advantage of Dabema’s unique properties while mitigating environmental sustainability concerns.
文摘As the Philippines celebrated the 2nd Asia Laboratory Animal Day(ALAD)last November 29,2025,the Philippine Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences(PALAS)reflected on a year marked by growth,collaboration,and renewed commitment to ethical and scientific excellence in animal-based research.Throughout 2025,PALAS has continued to strengthen the laboratory animal science community by advancing education,capacity building,policy advocacy,and regional cooperation.These efforts underscore PALAS’vital role in shaping a culture of responsible animal research aligned with international standards.
基金Supported by Supported by a Research Grant of the University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg
文摘Inhibitors of protein deacetylases have recently been established as a novel therapeutic principle for several human diseases,including cancer.The original notion of the mechanism of action of these compounds focused on the epigenetic control of transcriptional processes, especially of tumor suppressor genes,by interfering with the acetylation status of nuclear histone proteins,hence the name histone deacetylase inhibitors was coined.Yet,this view could not explain the high specificity for tumor cells and recent evidence now suggests that non-histone proteins represent major targets for protein deacetylase inhibitors and that the post-translational modification of the acetylome is involved in various cellular processes of differentiation,survival and cell death induction.
文摘It is timely to consider the many facets of the small molecule orotic acid （OA）, which is well-known as an essential intermediate of pyrimidine de novo synthesis. In addition, it can be taken up by erythrocytes and hepatocytes for conversion into uridine and for use in the pyrimidine recycling pathway. We discuss the link between dietary orotate and fatty liver in rats, and the potential for the alleviation of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. We address the development of orotate derivatives for application as anti-pyrimidine drugs, and of com- plexes with metal ions and organic cations to assist therapies of metabolic syndromes. Recent genetic data link human Miller syndrome to defects in the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase （DHODH） gene, hence to depleted orotate production. Another defect in pyrimidine biosynthesis, the orotic aciduria arising in humans and cattle with a deficiency of UMP synthase （UMPS）, has different symptoms. More recent work leads us to conclude that OA may have a role in regulating gene transcription.
文摘This review details the development of tannin-based biofoams for fire resistance and acoustic insulation and details the different varieties of these foams that have been developed,from tannin-furanic self-blowing foams to tannin-furanic polyurethanes and finally non-isocyanate tannin-basedcarbohydrates polyurethanes(NIPU).
基金This research was funded in part by the ERANET PerMed consortium“PerProGlio”(to J.W.B.and A.S.).
文摘Objective Pituitary adenomas(PAs)can adapt an aggressive phenotype by invading adjacent brain structures with rapid cellular proliferation.Previous studies demonstrated that excessive expression of metalloproteases ADAM12 and MMP-14 is instrumental for the active proliferation and invasiveness of PA cells in vitro and of tumors in vivo.However,the mechanisms regulating ADAM12 and MMP-14 expression in PAs remain unclear.Methods Target gene prediction and transcriptomic profiling of invasive vs.noninvasive human PA samples were performed to identify miRNA species potentially involved in the regulation of ADAM12 and MMP14.For cellular analyses of miRNA functions,two mouse PA cell lines(AtT20 and TtT/GF)were transfected with miR-149-3p and miR-149-5p,respectively.The effects of miR-149(3p and 5p)on expression levels of ADAM12 and MMP14 were determined by Western blotting followed by an analysis of proliferation and colony formation assays,scratch migration assays,and invasion assays.Results A significant downregulation of miRNA-149 was observed in invasive vs.noninvasive PA(0.32 vs.0.09,P<0.0001).In AtT-20 and TtT/GF mouse PAs cells,transfection of mimic miRNA-149(3p and 5p)caused a significantly reduced cell proliferation and matrigel invasion,whilst the effect on cell migration was less pronounced.Both strands of miRNA-149(3p and 5p)markedly reduced protein levels of ADAM12 and MMP-14 by at least 40%in both cell lines.Conclusion This study proved that the invasiveness of PA cells is,at least partly,regulated by miRNA-149-dependent expression of ADAM12 and MMP-14.
文摘Langmuir films behavior of asymmetric glycerol dialkyl nonitol tetraether (GDNT) lipids at the air-water interface (temperature 19℃ ± 1℃) investigated the stability of the mean ratio of Langmuir films for different spreading time prior to the transfer film. Floating monolayer films stability is an important parameter to obtain high-quality Langmuir-Blodgett films for their aplications. Hysteresis loop of the compression-decompression (μ-A) isotherms of Langmuir film GDNT used to analyze the thermodynamic stability of the monolayer films and its features. Langmuir films stability of tetraether lipid GDNT shown more stable at the time of spreading longer than a short time.
文摘The reaction of a desulphurized kraft lignin with hexamethylene diamine and dimethyl carbonate has allowed the development of isocyanate-free polyurethane resins.The present research work is based on previous studies made with hydrolyzable and condensed tannins,but takes advantage of the higher number of hydroxyl groups present in lignin and their different aliphatic and aromatic character.The obtained materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy,matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight(MALDI-TOF)mass spectrometry and solid-state cross-polarization/magic angle spinning(CP MAS)13C nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),which have revealed the presence of urethane functions.The interpretation of the results has shown a larger number of species than when tannins were used and has indicated the presence of two types of bonds in the new molecules formed:ionic and covalent bonds.
文摘The overall survival for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is still limited.Although the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib has recently been approved for this disease,response rates are still low and patients often face dose-limiting toxicities which lead to a reduction in prognosis and treatment success.We here report a patient with metastasized HCC who shows a sustained response for more than 30 mo to sorafenib therapy after failure of a first line therapy with gemcitabine,oxaliplatin and bevacizumab.
基金supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG grant EL125/6-1)
文摘Peripheral motor and sensory neuropathies are diseases with different etiologies emerging from genetic disorders,diabetes,infection or inflammation,paraneoplastic damage or intoxications including alcohol abuse（Martyn and Hughes,1997）.
文摘<strong>Objectives:</strong> <span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To compare between hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopic findings in patients tested for infertility and thereby to determine the significance of the latter examination. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This was a descriptive study performed in two Gynecology departments in the Dakar (Senegal). Included were 84 patients with suspicious tubal-infertility who underwent HSG followed by laparoscopy. The Kappa (K) statistics was used to clarify the concordance between HSG vs. laparoscopy findings. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Kappa concordance between HSG and laparoscopy showed the followings: 0.08 for proximal tubal obstructions (poor agreement), 0.40 for distal tubal obstructions (moderate agreement), and -</span></span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.08 for peritoneal adhesions (no agreement). Laparoscopy revealed pelvic adhesions in 84% of cases, pelvic endometriosis in 12% of cases, and apparently normal tubes in 12%. According to the distal tubal operability score, 16.6% of the lesions were classified as stage 4 and 23.8% at stage 1. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">HSG and laparoscopy findings did not agree in patients with tubal infertility, and thus, laparoscopy should be employed, especially when HSG showed abnormal findings. HSG has a low diagnostic value in adhesions.</span></span></span>
文摘An enhanced neutron production and an enhanced nuclear destruction due to secondary fragments have been observed in very thick targets irradiated with high energy ions. This enhancement is beyond theoretical calculations and it is an unresolved problem. It is observed only when primary ion interactions exceed an energy threshold (ECM/u ≈ 150 MeV). Investigations using nuclear emulsions for very high-energy nuclear reactions suggest that two distinctly different classes of relativistic projectile-like fragments are emitted in primary interactions: a “cool” channel with a temperature of (T(p)cool ≈ 10 MeV), and a “hot” channel with (T(p)hot ≈ 40 MeV. This second reaction class may induce the above mentioned enhanced reactions of secondary fragments, thus being responsible for unresolved problems. This assumption should be studied in further experiments. Nuclear interactions of secondary particles in thick targets are of interest, in particular in view of radiation protection needs for high energy and high intensity heavy ion accelerators. Many basic ideas of this paper go back to the late Professor E. Schopper (Frankfurt).
文摘Marinov et al. have detected spontaneous fission events in sources separated from tungsten targets irradiated with 24 GeV protons. These fission events could not be attributed to actinides or to any other known isotope. Marinov et al. propose that fission events are due to production of element 112 (Eka-Hg) in the tungsten target. We have addressed Marinov’s claim with a new analysis of their data and modern theoretical model calculations of possible interactions. Using data available in the literature the spontaneous fission half-life of the Eka-Hg was estimated to be ~74 days. This is dramatically longer than the half-life obtained for 283112Cn, produced in the fusion of energetic 48Ca ions with 238U. Monte Carlo calculations show that enough Sr isotopes are produced in the tungsten target to make the production of element 112 via fusion of Sr and W feasible;however, if such fusion was possible it had to be deep sub-barrier fusion.
